Gerald “Jerry” E. Stecker, age 75, of rural Manitowoc, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning, July 29, 2025, at his residence.
Jerry was born on June 16, 1950, in Manitowoc, a son of the late Earl and Joanne (Johnston) Stecker. He grew up in the town of Manitowoc Rapids and was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, Manitowoc. After attending six years at Hillside School, Jerry went to Valders Public School and graduated in 1968. Following high school, he served an apprenticeship to become a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker at the Mirro Company. Shortly after, in 1973, he founded Stecker Machine Company, now located on Hwy C.
On June 20, 1970, Jerry married the former Donna M. Bratz at St. John-St. James Ev. Lutheran Church in Reedsville. The couple just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Through those years, Jerry and Donna kept a hobby farm, raised a family, and in 2008, opened CNC Links Golf Course and Restaurant.
Following retirement, Jerry took great pride in cutting the grass and working on his property. He and Donna also liked spending time at their cottage in Crivitz. Jerry was a very social guy and joked with people wherever he went. He loved playing poker and sheepshead, driving muscle cars, and spending time with all his family.
Survivors include his wife: Donna Stecker, Manitowoc; his five children: Holly Osborne, Manitowoc; Jennifer (Brad) Kurtzweil, Manitowoc; Karen (Matt) Oswald, Manitowoc; Brian (Laura) Stecker, Manitowoc; Linda (David) Mills, Valders; seventeen grandchildren: Jackson and Ella Osborne; Grace and Henry Kurtzweil; Samuel and Madeline Oswald; Logan, Ana, Mara, Brielle, Eva, Aiden and Uen Stecker; Lola, Lucas, Lucy and Charlotte Mills; one brother and sister-in-law: Charles (Cheryl) Stecker, Manitowoc; one sister and brother-in-law: Caroll (Donald) Hoffmann, Manitowoc; two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law: Connie (Delmare) Knier, Reedsville, Gregg (Vicki) Bratz, Cato; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Earl and Joanne Stecker; one son-in-law: Shane Osborne; one brother and sister-in-law: David (Dianne) Stecker; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Walter & Margaret Bratz; one brother-in-law: Ron Bratz; one sister-in-law: Patrice Bratz; one nephew: Benjamin Thom.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025, at First German Ev. Lutheran Church, 1033 S. 8th St., Manitowoc. The Rev. Jacob Hoff will officiate with burial to follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at the church after the burial. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.
A memorial fund has been established for First German Ev. Lutheran Church, First German Ev. Lutheran School or Manitowoc Lutheran High School.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Jacob Hoff of First German Ev. Lutheran Church for providing comfort to the family during this difficult time. Also thank you to the Manitowoc Sheriff’s Department, Manitowoc County Coroner’s office, Newton First Responders, and 911 dispatch.
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
